Daily Archive : Monday August 4, 2014

News

Elgin commission OKs marijuana dispensaryBy Elena FerrarinDespite pleas from neighboring business owners, Elgin’s planning and zoning commission gave the thumbs-up to plans for a marijuana dispensary in the city’s southwest side. Commissioners voted 6-1 to recommend allowing Chicago-based Salveo Health & Wellness Ltd. to open a dispensary at 1330 Crispin Drive, Unit 215, in the Fox Bluff Corporate Center on the northeast corner of Bowes...

Former Naperville heroin addict’s son dies from overdoseBy Marie WilsonTim Ryan’s oldest son wanted to follow his father’s career footsteps into a job as an executive recruiter. Instead, 20-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Ryan wound up following his dad down another path, toward drug addiction. Early Friday morning, at a friend’s house in Hinsdale, Nick overdosed on heroin and died, his father said Monday.

Death of a young woman leads to gift of life for anotherBy Mick ZawislakHeart transplant patient Melody McIntosh, living at Great Lakes, met Monday with the Swart family of Cedar Lake, Indiana. Their daughter, Ashley, 20, died of a brain aneurysm last fall. Ashley was an organ donor and allowed McIntosh to receive a lifesaving heart transplant. "I'm going to live every day of my life honoring her memory," McIntosh said.

Cease-fire takes effect to end Gaza warAssociated PressA brief cease-fire declared by Israel and troop withdrawals slowed violence in the Gaza war Monday, but an attack an Israeli bus that killed one person in Jerusalem underscored the tensions still simmering in the region as Israeli airstrikes resumed late in the day.

Still no contract, no firing for Des Plaines hearing officerBy Christopher PlacekChris Cohen is staying put for now as Des Plaines’ city hearing officer, tasked with judging guilt or innocence for red-light camera tickets and parking violations. And even though he has been working without a contract since Jan. 1, a proposed deal that would have given Mayor Matt Bogusz the power to fire Cohen was tabled by the city council on a 6-2 vote Monday night.

Long Grove man dies base jumping in IdahoBy Sara HookerThe first time Adam Rubin went sky diving, he was hooked. That love grew to include other extreme sports, such as base jumping. Rubin, 23, of Long Grove, died Friday after his parachute failed to open properly during a base jump in Idaho.

Syracuse ranks as No. 1 party schoolAssociated PressSyracuse University has claimed the title of nation’s top party school. The No. 1 ranking was revealed Monday by The Princeton Review. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was ranked fifth. Wheaton College, meanwhile, ranked second among “stone-cold sober” schools.

Summit woman found guilty in Wheaton heroin deathBy Justin KmitchA DuPage County jury deliberated for nearly four hours before finding a Jennifer Nere of Summit guilty of supplying Augustina Taylor of Wheaton with a fatal dose of heroin in 2012. Nere is just the second person to be charged with, tried and convicted on drug-induced homicide charges in DuPage County. “(Taylor) was alive all these hours, then an hour after (Nere) shows up, she’s...

Lake Barrington sets hearing on gas stationDaily Herald reportA public hearing regarding a proposed Speedway gas station at Northwesy Highway and Kelsey Road will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Lake Barrington village hall, 23860 N. Old Barrington Road.

Milwaukee District North train kills pedestrianBy Sara HookerAn outbound Metra train on the Milwaukee District North Line struck and killed a pedestrian just before 5 p.m. between the Morton Grove and Golf stations, Metra officials said.

U.S. gov’t had role in Ebola drug given aid workersAssociated PressTwo American aid workers infected with Ebola are getting an experimental drug so novel it has never been tested for safety in humans and was only identified as a potential treatment earlier this year, thanks to a longstanding research program by the U.S. government and the military. The workers, Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly, are improving, although it’s impossible to know whether...

District 93 set to complete 1:1 technology roll-outBy Safiya MerchantCarol Stream Elementary District 93 is moving forward in creating its classrooms of the future. This school year will mark the first time every student in every grade level in District 93 will be able to use a technological device provided by the district in their classes.

Trial of double homicide suspect beginsAssociated PressThe 2013 slayings of two men in Joliet were carried out as part of a plot to steal money, alcohol and cigarettes, a Will County prosecutor told jurors in the trial of one of the suspects on Monday.

State lawmaker pleads guilty to misdemeanorAssociated PressAn Illinois lawmaker from Chicago who faced nearly 20 federal bank-fraud charges that could have landed him in prison for decades pleaded guilty Monday to a single misdemeanor tax charge for shortchanging the Internal Revenue Service of $3,782. State Rep. LaShawn Ford’s case was a rare instance of government attorneys backing away from felonies at the core of their case and letting a...

Scrabblers rejoice: 5,000 new words are on the wayAssociated PressTo Scrabble fanatics, big gifts sometimes come in small packages. The word “te” as a variant of “ti,” the seventh tone on the musical scale, is a hardworking little gem among 5,000 words added to “The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary,” out Aug. 11 from Merriam-Webster. The dictionary’s last freshening up was a decade ago.

Former White House press secretary, Illinois native Jim Brady diesAssociated PressJames Brady, the affable, witty press secretary who survived a devastating head wound in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan and undertook a personal crusade for gun control, died Monday. He was 73. Brady was born in Centralia, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Toledo mayor lifts water ban in northwest OhioAssociated PressA water ban that had hundreds of thousands of people in Ohio and Michigan scrambling for drinking water was lifted Monday, yet some residents still weren’t ready to take a sip. Mayor D. Michael Collins called the drinking water safe and lifted the ban at a Monday morning news conference.

Flash floods damage more than 30 California homesAssociated PressFlash floods in the Southern California mountains Sunday afternoon stranded thousands of people, destroyed several cars and damaged about 30 homes, including a dozen that were uninhabitable in the tiny communities of Mount Baldy and Forest Falls.

Lombard man sentenced to prison for murder plotAssociated PressA Lombard man convicted of trying to hire a hit man to kill a Texas businessman to avoid paying him more than $8 million has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

Elgin BMX track reopens this weekBy Elena FerrarinElgin’s BMX track, which closed after its operators lost the governing body’s sanction, will reopen this week under the guidance of an Indiana-based operator. Jackie Altizer, who runs BMX tracks in Portage and Hobart, said races will resume Saturday after a practice night Wednesday. The full schedule for the rest of the season, which ends in mid- to late- October, is to be...

Convicted Aurora murderer on trial for 2nd shootingBy Harry HitzemanA 31-year-old Aurora man went on trial Monday on attempted murder charges in Kane County. Enrique L. Torres, who is already serving a 60-year sentence for a 2007 murder in DuPage County, is accused of firing seven shots into a car in April 2007, hitting one man in the leg. Torres believed the men in the vehicle were in a rival gang, prosecutors said.

Mount Prospect man pleads guilty to third DUIBy Barbara VitelloA Mount Prospect man with two past DUI convictions pleaded guilty Monday to a third. Lorenzo Gomez, 42, of the 600 block of West Dempster Street, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Waukegan walking tour in Spanish:Daily Herald reportThe Waukegan History Museum of the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society will have its first free guided walking tour conducted in Spanish on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m.

District 128 budget talk:Daily Herald reportThe Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board will meet Wednesday in a committee-of-the-whole session to discuss the proposed budget for the 2015 fiscal year.

Tri-Cities police reportsSomeone shot out three windows at a storefront on the 700 block of Montgomery Road near Aurora between 9 p.m. July 29 and 1 p.m. Wednesday with a BB gun, causing $1,050 damage, according to a sheriff’s report.

Dillard resigns; officials name Nybo replacementBy Mike RiopellLongtime state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, announced his resignation from the post as he moves on to be chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority board. Local Republican leaders appointed Chris Nybo, an attorney from Elmhurst and former state lawmaker, to serve the rest of Dillard’s term.

DuPage to decide whether to keep lobbyistsBy Robert SanchezA county board committee on Tuesday is expected to recommend whether DuPage should spend $284,000 to continue using four lobbying firms to push its legislative agenda. Two of the firms — All-Circo Inc. and V.A. Persico Consulting Inc. — are working with state lawmakers on the county’s behalf. Another firm, BGR Government Affairs LLC, focuses on federal initiatives.

Former Boys and Girls Club counselor sentencedAssociated PressA former counselor for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Chicago who was convicted earlier this year of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to 40 years in state prison.

Man falls 56 stories to his deathAssociated PressPolice say the death of a man who fell from the 56th floor of a downtown Chicago high-rise building appears accidental. Police say the 27-year-old man fell to his death from a balcony of the Aqua building about 3 a.m. Monday.

Lake Park marching band seeking Tag Day donationsDaily Herald report Members of the Lake Park High School marching band will go door to door from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, in District 108 asking for monetary donations to support its activities as part of the annual Tag Day fundraiser.

Naperville seeking federal funding for road projectsBy Marie WilsonNaperville is pursuing federal funds for three road projects to improve safety and traffic flow. The city is seeking surface transportation program money to widen the North Aurora Road underpass at the Canadian National Railway, pay for a new traffic management system for Washington Street and add new streetlights as part of intersection improvements at Ogden Avenue and Columbia Street.

Images: The Week in PicturesThis edition of The Week in Pictures features a lot of outdoor activities, including running, dancing, and butterfly hunting

Death toll from Ebola in W. Africa hits 887: WHOAssociated PressThe doctor who treated a man who flew to Nigeria and died of Ebola now has contracted the disease, authorities said Monday, presenting a dire challenge to Africa’s most populous nation as the regional toll for the outbreak grew to 887 dead.

Images: James Brady, 1940 - 2014James Brady, the White House press secretary gravely wounded during the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, died Monday, his family announced. Brady was 73. Brady, an Illinois native and University of Illinois graduate, undertook a personal crusade for gun control after suffering the devastating bullet wound to his head.

Aurora man wants murder trial moved out of Kane CountyBy Harry HitzemanA 46-year-old Aurora man accused of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend in January wants his trial moved outside of Kane County. Christopher Whetstone argues news articles detailing his criminal past will prejudice a jury against him. He faces between 45 and 85 years in prison if convicted of gunning down Rachel Taylor, 22.

‘Crazy for You’ coming to Palatine next 2 weekendsBy Eileen O. DadayOne year after the driving force behind the Fremont Street Theater Company, Elroy Sandquist, passed away, his cast and crew are remaining true to their promise: The show must go on! "Sandy and I always loved the old classic musicals, with lots of singing and dancing, and this one ("Crazy for You") fits the bill beautifully,” says Colleen Sandquist, who took over after her husband’s...

Trial delayed for 2 of 3 men accused in Wauconda home invasionBy Lee FilasThe trial date for two of three men accused of invading a Wauconda apartment and shooting a 26-year-old man was delayed in Lake County court Monday. Attorneys for Jose Alfredo Dominguez-Eleperez, 27, of Wheeling, and John Nava, 19, of Niles, requested more time, claiming more investigation needed to be done on the case. Prosecutors said the trial for the third man, Noe J. Brito-Ramirez, 22, of...

5 things to know about Ebola outbreak in West AfricaAssociated PressThree West Africa nations are struggling to control an outbreak of Ebola. The virus was first discovered nearly four decades ago in Congo in a village near the Ebola River. Since then there have been sporadic outbreaks.Five things to know about Ebola and how it is spread.

Prospect football coaches plan community nightDaily Herald reportProspect High School football coaches are planning a Community Night, 5 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at George Gattas Memorial Stadium, 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect.

Firehouse Subs gives grant to Mt. Prospect Fire DepartmentDaily Herald reportThe Mount Prospect Fire Department has received a grant totaling nearly $22,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Fire officials said the funds will be used to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to faith-based organizations in the Mount Prospect community.

Busy I-65 exit near Indianapolis draws concernsAssociated PressZIONSVILLE, Ind. — Leaders of two northern Indianapolis suburbs say they’re worried about the safety of an Interstate 65 intersection and are asking state officials to make changes.Commuter traffic from Indianapolis often backs up at the I-65 exit for Indiana 334 into the growing suburbs of Zionsville and Whitestown.

2-hotel tower planned near Indianapolis arenaAssociated PressINDIANAPOLIS — A developer is looking to build two high-end hotels in a single 15-story building near Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.Plans filed with city officials say Minneapolis-based CSM Corp. is planning the hotels totaling 286 rooms at what is now a surface parking lot across the street from the arena.

Lower northern Indiana lake poses boating dangerAssociated PressMONTICELLO, Ind. (AP) — Boaters on a northwestern Indiana reservoir are facing more dangers with lower water levels.The state Department of Natural Resources says Lake Freeman near Monticello has fallen below its normal level because of low rainfall in the area recently.

Bail hearing set in needles in packaged meat caseAssociated PressEAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A 68-year-old southwestern Illinois man accused by federal prosecutors of inserting sewing needles into packaged meat is to learn whether he’ll be eligible for bond.A detention hearing was scheduled for Monday morning in East St. Louis for Ronald Avers of Belleville.Avers was charged last week with seven felony product-tampering counts.

18 Illinois Air National Guardsmen to returnAssociated PressPEORIA — Eighteen members of the Illinois Air National Guard Security Forces are returning from a seven-month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.The Illinois National Guard says men and women of the 182nd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return Monday. They were responsible for law enforcement and security missions overseas.

Police finish search in Dwight killingsAssociated PressSHERIDAN, Ill. — Illinois State Police said Monday that they’re processing evidence found during a large-scale ground search in northern Illinois connected to shootings that left a Dwight mother and daughter dead.

Work closes bridge linking Davenport, Rock IslandAssociated PressDAVENPORT, Iowa — One of the Mississippi River bridges linking the Quad Cities has closed to allow work on the span.The Quad-City Times reports the Centennial Bridge linking Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois, closed Sunday. The contractor can keep the bridge closed up to 35 days, with traffic resuming by Sept. 6.

Motorcyclist dies in collision with bearAssociated PressANTIGO, Wis. — Authorities say a motorcyclist has died in a collision with a bear on a northern Wisconsin highway. The accident happened Sunday afternoon on Highway 64 near Antigo in Langlade County.

Man struck and killed on Sauk County highwayAssociated PressBARABOO, Wis. — Sheriff’s officials say a man walking on a highway in Sauk County has been struck and killed. Authorities say the 31-year-old man was walking in the lane of traffic on county Highway BD early Sunday near the Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells Airport and Ho-Chunk Casino.

Ferry carrying hundreds capsizes in BangladeshAssociated PressA passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people capsized Monday in central Bangladesh, killing at least two people and probably many more as horrified villagers watched from the shore, authorities said. It was unclear exactly how many people were on board the M.V. Pinak because ferry operators in Bangladesh rarely maintain passenger lists.

Death toll from quake in south China rises to 398Associated PressRescuers dug through shattered homes Monday looking for survivors of a strong earthquake in southern China’s Yunnan province as the death toll rose to at least 398 people, with more than 1,800 injured. About 12,000 homes collapsed when the quake struck Sunday afternoon in impoverished Ludian county, around 230 miles northeast of Yunnan’s capital, Kunming, China’s official...

Interfax: Ukraine soldiers desert in RussiaAssociated PressMore than 400 Ukrainian soldiers have crossed the border into Russia and deserted the Kiev government, news agency Interfax quoted a border security official as saying Monday. Ukraine confirmed the crossing but said the soldiers were forced into Russian territory by rebel fire.

Applications open for Illinois ‘Hometown Awards’Associated PressSPRINGFIELD — State officials say the deadline to submit applications for the “Governor’s Hometown Awards” competition is approaching. The contest is in its 32nd year. It recognizes volunteers who improve communities.

Man denied diploma to receive it 55 years laterAssociated PressGALESBURG, Ill. — A school district in western Illinois will give a high school diploma to an African American man 55 years after he was denied one because he attended a picnic at a park where blacks weren’t allowed to go to at the time.

Milwaukee mayor says police to increase patrolsAssociated PressMILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s mayor says the city’s police force will increase its street presence in August.The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Mayor Tom Barrett announced the change Sunday following a violent weekend. He didn’t specify how many more officers would be present on patrols.

Chicago man charged with fatally throwing kittenAssociated PressA Chicago man has been charged with killing a kitten by throwing it three stories into the air.The Chicago Sun-Times reports 43-year-old Lamar Rogers was charged Sunday with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Police remind drivers to be aware of school busesAssociated PressINDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police are reminding drivers to be alert for school buses as summer vacation comes to an end.State police say they receive numerous complaints about drivers failing to stop for school buses with red lights flashing and stop arms extended. On one day in April this year there were 2,577 stop arm violations reported in Indiana.

Evansville-area arrests net 14 pounds of methAssociated PressEVANSVILLE, Ind. — Authorities say investigators seized 14 pounds of methamphetamine after two men tried to flee officers by driving between houses in a neighborhood near Evansville.

Nature Conservancy sweepstakes offers Honda hybridAssociated PressINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Nature Conservancy of Indiana is teaming with Honda to give Indiana residents with a love of exploring the state’s natural wonders a chance to win a new hybrid car.

10 things you may have missed this weekendWhat you may have missed this weekend: Suburban Chicago's Got Talent's top 10 performed; libraries are turning to a Netflix type service; violence has surged in Aurora; Arlington Heights woman who saved boy laid to rest; Elgin's Riverside Drive officially open for business; driver in critical after his car was struck by a Metra train; and a busy downtown is a good thing until it isn't Naperville...

World War II vet connects with family of man who died on his shoulderBy Steve ZaluskyA Sunday ceremony at College of Lake County in Grayslake to present a Purple Heart medal to the family of a soldier who died in World War II marked closure for some and new doors for others. Former Army Staff Sgt. John Trinca of Antioch Township finally had the chance to connect with the family of the man who died on his shoulder in 1945.

Fewer students taking, passing new GED testBy James FullerSuburban counties have seen steep drops in the number of people taking GED exams in 2014. The test changed to an electronic version that is both more difficult and more expensive, experts say. Fewer people taking the exam may mean a larger pool of local residents with poor long-term job prospects. “Somebody is profiting significantly, and it's not our students and our state,” Regional...

Metra opposed release of report on fake work logsBy Marni PykeDespite committing to transparency, Metra opposed making public the state inspector general's probe into fake work logs. The state watchdog's report would only confuse the public, the agency argued. Meanwhile, Metra's hiring of one of the attorneys who investigated it is raising some eyebrows.

10 Things to Know for MondayAssociated PressWorld and nation stories you should know: Growing gulf of wealth gap hits retirement; Israel draws down troops; quake kills more than 300 in China; second American with Ebola heading home; Ukrainian army makes gains in Donetsk; mental health providers at greater risk of assault; and algae toxins in Lake Erie leave 400,000 without water.

5 things to know about secret infiltration in CubaAssociated PressThe U.S. Agency for International Development secretly dispatched young Latin Americans to Cuba using health and civic programs to provoke political change. The traveler’s program posed significant risk for its young recruits as well as for USAID itself. Its effectiveness is unclear. Here are five things to know.

US sent Latin youth undercover in anti-Cuba ploy
Associated PressOver at least two years, the U.S. Agency for International Development — best known for overseeing billions of dollars in U.S. humanitarian aid — sent nearly a dozen neophytes from Venezuela, Costa Rica and Peru to gin up opposition in Cuba. Their assignment was to recruit young Cubans to anti-government activism, which they did under the guise of civic programs, including an HIV...

Sports

White Sox win but are still looking for some reliefBy Scot GregorThanks to a solid outing from starter Hector Noesi and bad weather Monday night, the bullpen was not a factor in the White Sox' rain-shortened 5-3 win over the Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field.

Abreu’s numbers add up to awardsBy Scot GregorWhite Sox first baseman Jose Abreu continues to pile up the awards this season. Abreu is the American League Player and Rookie of the Month for July. He is the first player in major-league history to win Player of the Month honors twice as a rookie.

Cubs’ bullpen needs some reliefBy Bruce MilesIf ever a team needed a day off, it's the Cubs, who enjoyed Monday off in Denver before opening a three-game series Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies. Cubs manager Rick Renteria has used and used and used his relief pitchers, working them especially hard during a recent stretch of 13 games in 13 days.

Favre headed to Packers Hall of Fame in 2015Associated PressBrett Favre, estranged from the franchise he helped resurrect during his 16-year career, will be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and have his number retired next July 18. Favre’s No. 4 will be unveiled on the Lambeau Field north end zone facade at halftime of a yet-to-be-determined game during the 2015 season.

SEC suddenly has a fresh feelAssociated PressPresumed top contenders like Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and LSU are breaking in new quarterbacks. Those factors — and the wild, unpredictable 2013 season — are giving other teams around the Southeastern Conference hope.

Bears lose No. 3 receiver Wilson to injuryBy Bob LeGereMarquess Wilson, whose impressive play early in camp had given him the lead in the battle for the Bears' No. 3 wide receiver position, suffered a fractured clavicle while diving for a pass during Monday's practice. The Bears did not offer a timetable for Wilson's return, but he is expected out for at least several weeks.

Highly touted prospect Baez to join CubsBy Bruce MilesThe Cubs will bring up infielder Javier Baez to join them for Tuesday's game at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. The 21-year-old Baez posted 23 home runs, 80 RBI, 34 walks and 130 strikeouts in 388 at-bats for Class AAA Iowa this season.

Baseball's unwritten rules not worth the troubleBy Len KasperBaseball seems to have a lot of unwritten rules when it comes to things like showboating, stealing bases and bunting with large leads. Len Kasper, in his weekly Cubs Insider column, considers these unwritten rules as mostly ridiculous and not worth the stress they seem to cause.

Just how do the White Sox fix their deficiencies?By Chris RongeyWith the team four games under .500 and with almost two months to play, the White Sox' deficiencies are clear. Going about making corrections are a bit more complicated, though, unless they wait until the winter.

Business

Stocks rise after selloff amid earningsBloombergU.S. stocks rose, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rebounding from the biggest weekly loss in two years, as Portugal announced a bailout for Banco Espirito Santo SA and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. beat earnings estimates.

What is the deal with fuzzy dice?By Matt AveryA walk around any suburban cruise night or local car show will reveal a common auto accessory: fuzzy dice. These fun, retro throwbacks have been swinging from rearview mirrors for decades.

Superdawg to serve craft beer creation in WheelingBy Kevin ModelskiSuperdawg in Wheeling will obtain a temporary liquor license to host a public tasting Thursday of Superbier, a beer created collaboratively between Superdawg and Lake Effect Brewery. “It’s a cool and refreshing summer beer,” Superdawg owner Scott Berman said.

Walgreen CFO leaves, replaced with Kraft execAssociated PressWalgreen’s top financial officer is leaving the largest U.S. drugstore chain as it nears a key decision about its future that could involve a politically touchy overseas reorganization.News: Walgreen said Monday it will replace Wade Miquelon with former Kraft Foods executive Timothy McLevish as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately.

Tribune completes spinoff, changes nameAssociated PressThe Tribune Co. on Monday completed the spinoff of its newspaper business and changed its name to Tribune Media Co. The move had been expected. Tribune first announced plans to separate its television and print businesses a year ago. The company has said the move will let one company take advantage of growth in broadcasting and allow the other to focus on newspapers, an industry where revenue has been declining for years.

U.S. airfares on the rise, outpacing inflationAssociated PressTravelers, prepare to pay more for your flight.News: The average roundtrip ticket within the U.S., including taxes, reached $509.15 in the first six months of this year, up nearly $14 from the same period last year. Domestic airfare continues to outpace inflation, rising 2.7 percent compared to the 2.1 percent gain in the Consumer Price Index. Airfare has gone up 10.7 percent in the past five years — after adjusting for inflation — according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the Airlines Reporting Corp., which processes ticket transactions for airlines and more than 9,400 travel agencies, including websites such as Expedia and Orbitz.

Orangetheory Fitness Wheaton works with clients heart ratesAn interview with Michael Kessler, owner of Orangetheory Fitness Wheaton.Q: Describe your business. What do you do?A: The idea of Orangetheory Fitness is simple. Our science backed 60-minute workout is designed to push individuals into the “Orange Zone,” which utilizes 84 to 91 percent of one’s maximum heart rate, in order to create an “Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption” effect. This EPOC ensures that clients continue to burn calories for 24 to 36 hours after their workout. The workout itself, composed of treadmill, water rowing, and weight training /resistance training blocks, is different each day in order to ensure that clients never get bored or plateau.Q: What made you start your business?A: I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Something to call my own. Something that I can say that I built from the ground up.I opened up my first business to provide a good lifestyle for my family and, eventually, have more flexibility with my schedule so I can be there to witness all of my children’s “firsts.”Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?A. Finding and retaining talented staff. We have a great staff now, but it has not been easy getting to this point. There are also little unexpected problems that come up on a daily basis. You have to be a good juggler.Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?A: Seeing personal growth in our members as they start to see results from the program. Their newfound confidence and pride in their achievements makes the countless late nights worthwhile. Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?A: Not exactly. I always imagined being some type of international business man flying on planes and wearing suits. Not sure why I thought that was appealing when I was young. I have the business art right, but staying close to family and wearing workout gear everyday has its perks.Q: What keeps you up at night?A: Making sure that our clients are receiving the best quality of service/experience that my staff and I can deliver.Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be? A: Embrace mistakes and turn them into a positive. When you are just getting started it is very easy to get overwhelmed and to get down when things go wrong. You just realize that every business has struggles no matter the size, just keep your head down and turn the mistakes into a positive any way that you can. • Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.

Whitley to head Supply Chain groupDaily Herald Staff Report Doug Whitley's retirement didn't last long from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. He plans to be executive director of Supply Chain Innovation Network in Chicago.

Stocks slip, declining for third consecutive dayAssociated PressU.S. stocks were losing momentum in late-morning trading Monday, adding to a major sell-off last week that put caution back into the market. The losses were held in check by two pieces of positive news: a decent earnings report from Berkshire Hathaway and the announcement of a bailout package for a struggling Portuguese bank.

Lockout continues at Illinois Honeywell plantAssociated PressMETROPOLIS, Ill. — A lockout will continue at least for a couple more weeks over a labor dispute at a southern Illinois plant that helps make nuclear fuel.WSIL-TV reports that bargainers for Honeywell and the union that backs about 130 affected workers at the Metropolis plant won’t resume talks until Aug. 18.The lockout was put in place early Saturday. It comes after the company and the United Steel Workers union failed to reach a deal before the latest contract expired Friday. Honeywell spokesman Peter Dalpe says the plant will continue operating with federally trained salaried workers until a deal is reached.Union workers at the plant also were locked out of the site in 2010 for more than a year during a contract dispute.

Portugal bank collapse and rescue raises questionsAssociated PressA new Portuguese bank appeared Monday, born from the ruins of a collapsed business empire, and declared on its website that it was now “stronger and safer.” Investors rattled by the eurozone’s latest financial drama will, however, need more reassurances.

HSBC warns on global risks as profits dropAssociated PressHSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, warned Monday that fragile growth in the global economy and rising geopolitical tensions will keep it from taking on greater investment risks. In its earnings update, HSBC said its net income fell 5.4 percent to $9.46 billion in the first half of the year.

Wal-Mart’s website to personalize shoppingAssociated PressWal-Mart, in its latest bid to compete with nemesis Amazon.com, is rebuilding its website to further personalize the online shopping experience of each customer. Wal-Mart is rolling out a feature that will enable its website to show shoppers more products that they may like, based on their previous purchases.

Life & Entertainment

Explore modern Polish cuisine at Mount Prospect's QulinarniaBy Izidora AngelWith the densest Polish population outside of Poland right here in the Chicago area, we are lucky to have the upscale restaurant Qulinarnia Modern Polish Cuisine in Mount Prospect. The restaurant boasts a traditional Polish authenticity in ingredients, but with a modern accent on seasonal produce and locally sourced meat. That translates into all good stuff: beets, pork, sauerkraut, mushrooms and cream with a distinctly European, minimalist flair and American-sized portions.

Naperville native snares scares in B-horror flicksBy Jamie Sotonoff and Dann GireColleen Elizabeth Miller grew up in Naperville, moved to Oklahoma at the age of 9, then returned to graduate from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb where she majored in theater. Now she makes a living acting in horror movies such as “The Leaf Blower Massacre 2.” “Movie of the Dead.” “Ovulation.” “Howling Moon.” “Dr. Spine.” “Walk, Zombie, Walk.” “I guess I found my niche,” she said.

Stallone: It’s hard to get men to like youBy Louise DixonSylvester Stallone may come across as the ultimate guy’s guy. But he says action stars like him are “the hardest characters to sell” to other men. “Men are very competitive,” Stallone said ahead of Monday’s world premiere of “The Expendables 3.”

Keke Palmer to be Broadway’s 1st black CinderellaBy Mark KennedyLike many girls, actress and singer Keke Palmer grew up dreaming of meeting a prince who would whisk her away to a life of love and happiness. In her case, it’s going to happen — eight shows a week on Broadway. Palmer said she’ll be stepping into the title role in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” starting Sept. 9 at the Broadway Theatre. She will become the first African-American to play the part on the Great White Way.

'Tame' pony still pleasing to original ownerBy Matt AveryBy his own admittance, Lou Vassos of Mount Prospect is a “practical guy.” He sees no reason to upgrade his beige Ford Mustang. After all, it drives just as well as the day he bought it in 1967.

Vitamin D deficiency causes concernBy Dr. Patrick MasseyA recent article in the Southern Medical Journal indicates that the incidence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in this country is significantly higher than previously thought. This is of serious concern because low levels of vitamin D seem to increase the risk of not just osteoporosis but many other diseases as well.

Few roles for Hispanics in top Hollywood moviesAssociated PressA new study shows that less than 5 percent of actors in top Hollywood films are Hispanic, and that Latinas are more likely than women of any other ethnicity to appear partially or totally naked on screen. The study of the top 100 grossing films in 2013, by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg school, found that the make-believe world of movies generally does not reflect what America looks like in real life.

Tracking devices give assisted living a boostBy Mohana RavindranathA senior living facility in Connecticut has a pilot program using wearable devices to track residents, most of whom have been diagnosed with dementia, memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Upon moving in, each resident is given a “pendant”: a device, worn around the neck that uses Wi-Fi to signal location in real time. The facility's staff each carry an iPod Touch that can track residents on a map of the facility.

Your health: Watercress packs a nutritional punchA recent study at William Paterson University in New Jersey ranked the top “powerhouse fruits and vegetables,” based on the nutrients they provide per calorie.What topped the list? No, not kale or spinach (though they didn’t do too badly). The most powerful of the powerhouses was watercress.

Updated dinosaurs stalk America in arena showBy Mark KennedyWhat does a man who spends his work days creating animatronic dinosaurs do on his day off? If you’re Sonny Tilders, you go see the real thing in person at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. “I wanted them to move. Just one of them,” Tilders says. In his day job, they do: Tilders is the driving force behind the “Walking with Dinosaurs, the Arena Spectacular,” which has returned for a North American tour with 20 updated lifelike dinosaurs, including many sporting feathers, the ability to reach up and eat leaves, and three new babies.

Could Helen Mirren forget how to act? She worriesBy Sandy CohenWhen Helen Mirren has a really good time making a movie, as she did on “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” she fears: “Oh my God, is it going to stink?” Never mind that the 69-year-old Dame of the British Empire who won an Oscar for playing the Queen just said that. Mirren also said that when she takes time off work, she worries that she has forgotten how to act altogether. Of course, her 45-year career says otherwise.

‘Days of Rage’ is fast-paced thrillerBy Jeff AyersThe world of Special Ops seems to be a new trend in publishing, but author Brad Taylor, a former Delta Force operative, knows how to unveil the behind-the-scenes action. Taylor’s main characters Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill work for a unit called The Taskforce, a secret group of elite men and women who work outside all normal government channels. The team has lost two operatives in what appears to be a routine car crash, but Pike is doubtful.

Protect your children from the dangers of the InternetBy Dr. Adam AronsonWith a click of a mouse or a touch on a screen, children can be exposed to predators, “cyberbullies” and inappropriate material. The following tips can help parents provide a safer Internet environment.

Bible Belt filmmakers expand box office horizonsBy Lucas L. Johnson IIIt’s the Hollywood ending every studio wants: Low-cost production and high returns at the box office. Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick seem to have the formula down — grossing nearly $80 million on four films made for less than $4 million combined. Only thing is the Kendrick brothers work far from Hollywood and, outside the world of Christian-themed cinema, many have never heard of their films. That could change.

You’re not too young for hip replacementBy Eric NiilerMore people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s are getting their hips replaced, unwilling to live with pain and give up activity.Overall, the annual number of total and partial hip replacements jumped 56 percent, from 263,000 to 411,000, between 1998 and 2011, according to the latest figures compiled by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The portion of patients ages 45 to 64 having this procedure jumped from 27 percent in 1998 to 42 percent in 2011.

Discuss

President’s critics unfairly labeled racistAn Arlington Heights letter to the editor: Being of only average intelligence, it took me a long time to realize that a black Democrat should never be president of the United States. Before I explain why I came to this conclusion, I assure you that I am not a bigot or a racist. Born Jewish and growing up in the 1930s, I was a recipient of blatant bigotry (such as being called hateful slurs and being exposed to signs in Lake Geneva that stated, “Jews and dogs keep off the grass”) and the legal restriction of employment of Jewish people to a single digit percentage.

Pension savings plan just another schemeA Wilmette letter to the editor: You printed a HYPERLINK "http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140714/discuss/140719657/"letter on July 14 from a state senator touting and explaining a bill now working its way through Springfield. The bill would require certain employees to make contributions to a pension fund run by the state. What could possibly go wrong with this?

Israel leaves Gaza residents with few optionsA Des Plaines letter to the editor: The majority of the Palestinians are very anti-violence. True, it is unfortunate that Hamas is in power, but they were voted in democratically with the hope that Hamas would do something for their cause. And what is that cause? Freedom!

Phrases hide truth about abortionA Mount Prospect letter to the editor: Regarding “Health decisions belong to women” by Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon published on July 7, in my opinion health decisions should not include the taking of a human life. Sanitized jargon like “birth control” and “a private medical decision” mask the truth that abortion and drugs and devices that cause abortions kill babies.

Priest was right to uphold policyAn Arlington Heights letter to the editor: God bless Father Terry Keehan, a living example of a true shepherd to his flock at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness. Father did that with his proper response to the music director of Holy Family, Colin Collette a practicing homosexual.

Rauner supports these GOP tactics?An Addison letter to the editor: Libertarians turned in almost 44,000 signatures to get their candidates on the ballot this November, and Republicans challenged us at the State Board of Elections.

Not border crisis, but humanitarianA Downers Grove letter to the editor: The recent influx of children immigrants from Central America was inevitable. These are innocent minors who are not bringing violence into the United States, but rather escaping the dangers of their country.

Boehner, resign to stop gridlockJohn Boehner’s statement that “The White House needs to get its act together” when commenting on President Obama’s efforts to solve the immigration problem really is beyond laughable since the speaker is the one not allowing an up-or-down vote on the Senate-passed bill over a year ago.Does Boehner really think the American people are that stupid as to not see the con game he is playing? Boehner and the House Republicans are destroying our ability to get anything done in order to discredit President Obama, all for political reasons.Please, Mr. John Boehner, please resign and give your job to someone who can stop this gridlock.Ted PacutBloomingdale